Secured dispensing cabinet and methods

ABSTRACT

A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of dispensing andrestocking items, and in particular to the dispensing and restocking ofsecured items, such as, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals. Morespecifically, the invention relates to dispensing devices and methodsfor dispensing a wide range of items upon request.

[0002] Many industries require items to be available for use at specificlocations. For example, in the medical industry, practitioners find itconvenient to place medical supply items or pharmaceuticals near wherepatients are being treated. Depending on the type of items to bedispensed, the environment where the items are to be used, and the like,a variety of dispensing cabinets have been proposed. Such cabinets maybe provided in a variety of sizes, configuration and security levels andmay conveniently be located near where the items are to be used.Examples of several successful dispensing cabinets are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366;5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536; 5,377,864; and 5,190,185,the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0003] Periodically, dispensing cabinets need to be restocked withitems. Depending on the types of items to be restocked, the number ofitem types to be restocked, the level of security associated with theitems, and the like, the restocking process can be challenging. Further,in some cases, nurse users may wish to have a different configurationfor the dispensing cabinet. This may further complicate the restockingprocess as the configuration of the dispensing cabinet changes overtime. Hence, this invention relates to dispensing devices and methodsthat facilitate restocking of items and reconfiguring of the dispensingdevices, among other features.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides various devices and methods for dispensingand restocking items. In some embodiments, such a dispensing devicecomprises a cabinet having a front, a back and a pair of sides thatenclose an interior storage area. A dispenser frame is coupled to thecabinet and, in some cases, may be configured to be pulled out from theinterior. The dispenser frame includes one or more dividers to which maybe coupled one or more dispensing mechanisms that hold items to bedispensed. A lockable door may be coupled to the front of the cabinet soas to be positioned in front of the dispenser frame. Hence, by openingthe door access to the dispenser frame is gained. Further, a dispensedrawer may also be coupled to the cabinet below the storage dispenserframe. In this way, items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms mayfall into the dispense drawer.

[0005] One feature of the dispensing cabinet is that the dividers may bereconfigurable so that different types and/or arrangements of dispensingmechanisms may be provided in the same dispenser frame. Further, thedispense drawer may have approximately the same width as the dispenserframe. For example, the dispenser frame and dispense drawer may extendacross the front of the cabinet. In this way, a single dispenser frameholding essentially all of the cabinet's dispensing mechanisms may beaccessed by simply pulling out the dispenser frame. However, it will beappreciated that multiple dispense drawers could also be provided.

[0006] The dispensing cabinet may also have a computer system that isemployed to store information, such as patient information, nurse userinformation, restock user or pharmacist information, item information,and the like. The computer system may also be used to facilitateoperation of the dispensing cabinet, such as by controlling dispensingoperations, restocking operations, and the like. The computer system mayinclude various controllers, circuit boards, other circuitry or the liketo determine the divider configuration, as well as to determine theaddresses of the dispensing mechanisms and to control their operation.For example, in one aspect, the computer system may include a circuitboard that is mounted to the dispenser frame and a controller that ismounted to the cabinet frame.

[0007] The computer system may also be used to sense the configurationof the dividers. For example, in one aspect, the computer system may beused to poll as to whether a divider is present at a particular locationon the dispenser frame. This information may then be stored in thecomputer's memory.

[0008] The location or address of each dispensing mechanism on aparticular divider may also be sensed and sent to the computer so thatitems for each dispensing unit may be assigned and stored in thecomputer. Conveniently, the dividers may include interfaces forinterfacing with the dispensing mechanisms. When ready to assign an itemto a dispensing mechanism, a sensing mechanism, such as a button or aswitch, on the dispensing unit may be actuated to create a detectableevent, such as a short in a circuit. In this way, the location of thedivider may be determined and transmitted to the computer. Informationon the item may then be input into the computer so that the computerwill have a record of the address for each dispensing mechanism and itsassociated item.

[0009] To restock items into the dispensing cabinet, restock useridentification information may be input into the computer along with arequest to restock items. If approved, a restock list may be generatedby the computer and selected by the restock user or pharmacist. Thislist may be transmitted from a host over a computer network. Optionally,a light on the door may light and a button on the door may be pushed toopen the door, although in some cases the door may automatically open sothat pressing of a button is not needed. The dispenser frame may then bepulled from the cabinet to gain access to the dispensing mechanisms.However, in some cases, the dispensing mechanisms may be accessedwithout needing to pull out the dispenser frame from the cabinet.

[0010] In one aspect, visual indicators, such as lights on thedispensing mechanisms that need restocking, may flash. The restocktechnician may then actuate the sensing mechanism on one of thedispensing mechanisms having a flashing light to tell the computer thatthat particular dispensing mechanism is to be restocked. The light maythen continuously light and the name of the item to be restocked may bedisplayed by the computer. Optionally, the count of any existing itemsmay be verified. Verification may also be performed to check expirationdates. Items may be restocked into the dispensing mechanism, theirnumber entered, and the sensing mechanism actuated to indicate thatrestocking for that dispensing mechanism is completed. The light maythen be turned off and the process repeated for another dispensingmechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dispensing cabinetaccording to the invention.

[0012]FIG. 1A is a detailed view of a portion of a shelf of the cabinetof FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 2 illustrates a pharmaceutical dispensing unit f the cabinetof FIG. 1

[0014]FIG. 3 illustrates the unit of FIG. 2 having dispensing mechanismsand showing a front door opened.

[0015]FIG. 4 illustrates the unit of FIG. 3 with a dispenser framehaving the dispensing mechanisms withdrawn.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a more detailed view of the dispenser frame anddispensing mechanisms of FIG. 4.

[0017]FIG. 5A illustrates a dispensing coil of one particular dispensingmechanism.

[0018]FIG. 5B illustrates a set of dispensing mechanisms according tothe invention.

[0019]FIG. 5C is a more detailed view of a cassette type dispensingmechanism according to the invention.

[0020]FIG. 6 illustrates the dispenser frame of FIG. 4 with thedispensing mechanisms removed.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one method for reconfiguringthe dividers of a dispensing dispenser frame.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one method for assigning itemsto dispensing mechanisms.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating one method for restockingitems.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating one method for dispensingitems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The invention provides exemplary dispensing devices that mayeasily be reconfigured as well as restocked, among other features. Thedispensing devices may have a dispensing unit that is secured within acabinet, with access being provided to only authorized individuals. Thedispensing unit may hold a variety of dispensing mechanisms that eachhold items to be dispensed. Such an arrangement is particularly wellsuited for items that need to be secured, such as medications, drugs,and the like. If a nurse user is authorized, such items may be dispensedfrom the dispensing unit where they may fall into a dispense drawer thatmay be pulled from the cabinet to access the items.

[0026] The dispensing unit may include a dispenser frame that holds thedispensing mechanisms. The dispenser frame may also be pulled out fromthe cabinet to provide access to the dispensing mechanisms. Further, thedispenser frame may include reconfigurable dividers that hold thedispensing mechanisms. In this way, a wide variety of dispensingmechanism arrangements may be provided by reconfiguring the dividersand/or the location of the dispensing mechanisms on the dividers.Further, various types of dispensing mechanisms may be accommodated.

[0027] To reconfigure the unit, the dispenser frame may be withdrawn andthe dividers may be reconfigured. Also, the dispensing mechanisms may beplugged into different locations on the dividers. Various sensing ordetecting systems may be used to determine the configuration of thedividers and the addresses of the dispensing mechanisms on the dividersso that the computer system may associate items with each of thedispensing mechanisms. For example, when reconfiguring the location of adispensing mechanism, a sensing mechanism, such as a button, may bepressed on the dispensing mechanism to indicate the new location of thedispensing mechanism. This is in stark contrast to prior art systemswhere physical address labels have been placed onto each divider. If theconfiguration of such systems changed, these labels needed to be changedas well.

[0028] Such an arrangement also facilitates initial stocking andrestocking. To initially stock a dispensing mechanism, a sensingmechanism, such as a button on the dispensing mechanism, may be pushedto identify the dispensing mechanism. The type and quantity of the itemto be stocked may then be entered into the computer. By pressing thebutton, the computer may detect the dispensing mechanism being accessedand may assigned the item to that address.

[0029] To restock, a restock list may be selected. The dispensingcabinet's computer may be coupled to a network to permit various restockinformation to be downloaded to the computer. This information may bestored at the computer, or else accessed when needed over the network.Visual indicators, such as lights, LEDs, or the like, on the dispensingmechanisms that are to be restocked may then be actuated to guide therestock user or pharmacist through the restocking process. The button onthe dispensing mechanism may be pushed to identify the dispensingmechanism that is being restocked, and the expected quantity may bedisplayed on the display screen. A count may be verified, the dispensingmechanism restocked, and the quantity entered.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a dispensing cabinet10 will be described. Cabinet 10 may conveniently be constructed from acabinet frame 12 with various transparent panels 14. Cabinet 10 furtherincludes a pair of doors 16 and 18 that enclose a series of shelves 20within cabinet 10. As also shown in FIG. 1A, shelves 20 may convenientlybe divided into various storage locations using adjustable dividers 22.Further, associated with each storage location may be an item button 24that may be pressed to record the removal of items from or placement ofitems into each storage location. A light 26 may also be positionedadjacent each item button to guide the restock user to a specificstorage location. Further, a label 28 may be associated with eachstorage location include information on the items stored in a particularstorage location. Optionally, doors 16 and 18 may be locked and onlyopened when appropriate identification information has been entered intoa computer 30. Hence, to remove an item from one of the shelves 20, anurse user may enter appropriate identification information intocomputer 30.

[0031] To facilitate the entry of information, computer 30 includes atraditional keyboard 32 and a key pad 33 containing numeric keys. Atouch pad 33 a may be disposed above key pad 33 and used to control apointer on a display screen 34. Disposed below key pad 33 are keys tocontrol the contrast of display screen 34 and to control the sound thatmay be emitted from a speaker 33 b. Disposed below keyboard 32 is areceipt port 33 c through which printed receipts may pass. Conveniently,the panel containing keyboard 32 may be rotated downward to gain accessto the receipt printer.

[0032] One use of the various input devices on computer 30 is to permitthe nurse user to select one or more items that are to be removed.Conveniently, a list of items and the entered information mayconveniently be displayed on the display screen 34. Further, displayscreen 34 may be a touch screen display that permits various items to beselected simply by touching them on display screen 34. Computer 30 maybe coupled to any type of computer network to permit various informationto be supplied to computer 30. For example, restock lists may betransmitted from a central server or host computer system.

[0033] When the appropriate items have been selected, doors 16 and 18may be unlocked (in cases where doors 16 and 18 are already locked) andthe appropriate lights 26 may be lighted to guide the nurse user to theitems selected. Upon removal of the items, the nurse user may press itembuttons 24 a number of times corresponding to the number of itemsremoved. A similar process may be used for restocking items into thestorage locations. A further discussion of such a process is describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366;5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536, previously incorporatedherein by reference and will not be described further.

[0034] Cabinet 10 further includes a pharmacy section 36 with variousdrawers 38 for holding pharmaceutical items or other types of items thatneed additional security. When appropriate information has been enteredinto computer 30, the appropriate drawers 38 may be unlocked and lights40 on the drawers lighted to guide the nurse user to the appropriatedoors. Drawers 38 may conveniently include various bins which mayoptionally have lockable lids to provide additional security to theitems. The lids corresponding to bins that have the selected items maybe unlocked and nurse users may be guided to the unlocked bins usinglights in a manner similar to that described with shelves 20. Examplesof various types of drawer and bin arrangements that may be used inpharmacy section 36 may be found in at least some of U.S. Pat. Nos.6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366; 5,905,653;5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536, previously incorporated herein byreference, and will not be described further.

[0035] Pharmacy section 36 further includes a dispensing unit 42 that isalso illustrated in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2-5. Briefly,dispensing unit 42 comprises a dispensing unit frame 44 that isinsertable into cabinet frame 12 of cabinet 10. Coupled to dispensingunit frame 44 is a door 46 that may be opened to provide access to adispenser frame 48 (see FIG. 3). As described in greater detailhereinafter, dispenser frame 48 may be withdrawn from dispensing unitframe 44 to provide access to various dispensing mechanisms 50 (see forexample FIGS. 4 and 5). As best shown in FIG. 2, disposed belowdispenser frame 48 is a dispense drawer 52 that receives items that fallfrom dispensing mechanisms 50 after such items have been selected atcomputer 30 (see FIG. 1). Conveniently, dispense drawer 52 may include alight 54 to guide the nurse user to the dispense drawer duringdispensing operations. Conveniently, a handle 56 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) maybe provided on door 46 to facilitate opening of door 46.

[0036] In some cases, dispensed items may need to be returned to cabinet10. In some situations, various laws and regulations prohibit dispenseditems from being placed back into cabinet 10. As such, attached tocabinet 10 may be a return unit 58 having a slidable (or rotatable) door60 that may be opened to permit the item to be placed into unit 58. Whenreturning the item, information regarding the return may be entered intocomputer 30. Conveniently, a light 62 on return unit 58 may be lightedto indicate to the nurse user that the item may be returned. Return unit58 is preferably configured so that once an item is placed into theunit, the item cannot be returned from unit 58 unless a restock user ortechnician is authorized to gain access to return unit 58. For example,a restock technician may be required to enter appropriate informationinto computer 30 to cause return unit 58 to unlock to allow access tothe items within return unit 58.

[0037] Although one specific arrangement of cabinet 10 has beendescribed, it will be appreciated that dispensing unit 42 may be usedwith a variety of dispensing cabinets. For example, dispensing unit 42may be placed within a cabinet that is used solely for dispensingpharmaceuticals and may only include drawers similar to drawers 38. Asanother alternative, dispensing unit 42 may be placed in a cabinet thatonly includes shelves that are similar to shelves 20. Further,dispensing unit 42 may be used in cabinets having multiple shelvesand/or drawers that are placed side by side in a vertical arrangement.Also, the dispensing cabinet may include multiple dispensing units 42.These may be sized to the same size, or may be a different size. Stillfurther, in some cases such dispensing cabinets may include other typesof shelves, racks, drawers, and the like to facilitate the storage ofitems. Various examples of shelf, rack, and drawer designs are describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366;5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536; 5,377,864; and 5,190,185,previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, construction and operation ofdispensing unit 42 will be described in greater detail. As best shown inFIG. 3, door 46 is coupled to frame 44 using hinges 64. These permitdoor 46 to be opened to gain access to dispenser frame 48. Conveniently,arms 66 may be used to limit the extent to which door 46 may be openedso that it does not interfere with the opening of dispense drawer 52 asbest illustrated in FIG. 4. Conveniently, dispenser frame 48 and frame44 may include a track system 68 and 70 (and dispense drawer 52 andframe 44 may also include a similar track system) to permit dispensedrawer 52 and dispenser frame 48 to easily be withdrawn from frame 44 asshown in FIG. 4.

[0039] As best shown in FIG. 6, dispenser frame 48 is constructed of arectangular frame 72 having a front 74, a back 76 and two sides 78 and80. Frame 72 is generally open except for a set of adjustable dividers82 that are positioned between front 74 and back 76. Optionally, anotherdivider may be coupled to side 78 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0040] Front 74 and back 76 may include a set of mechanical interfaces,such as slots, holes, grooves, cut outs or the like to interface withtabs, protrusions, or the like on dividers 82. In this way, a blindmatable connection between the dividers 82 and frame 72 may easilyoccur. Further, screws 84 may be used to securely couple dividers 82 toframe 72 once in place. By providing a series of mechanical interfaces,the placement of dividers 82 in dispenser frame 48 may be varied alongfront 74 and back 76. Further, any number of dividers 82 may be coupledto dispenser frame 48. In this way, the wide variety of dispensingmechanisms that are to be coupled to dividers 82 may be accommodated.Back 76 may also include a series of electrical interfaces thatinterface with electrical interfaces on dividers 82 when they aremechanically coupled to dispenser frame 48. Dispenser frame 48 may alsoinclude a circuit board 86 (see FIG. 6) that may be used to facilitatecommunications between circuitry associated with the dividers 82 andcomputer 30. One capability of the circuitry used with cabinet 10 is theability to detect the specific configuration of dividers 82 withindispenser frame 48. For example, appropriate circuitry in combinationwith computer 30 may be used to poll each one of the interfaces todetermine if one of the dividers 82 is connected to that interface. Thismay be detected, for example, by sensing a short or low voltage signalthat is created when divider 82 is coupled to a specific electricalinterface.

[0041] Hence, dispensing unit 42 may include a single dispenser frame 48that has essentially the same width as dispense drawer 52 that ispositioned beneath dispenser frame 48. Further, dispense drawer 52 mayhave essentially the same width as other drawers and/or shelves in thedispensing cabinet. In this way, a single dispenser frame may beemployed to hold a wide variety of dispensing mechanisms that may all besimultaneously accessed by withdrawing dispenser frame 48. Further, theconfiguration of dispenser frame 48 may easily be varied simply bychanging the configuration and/or number of dividers 82 that areincluded within dispenser frame 48. Further, the configuration ofdividers 82 may be automatically sensed so that the dispensing cabinetwill know the configuration of the dividers that will subsequently beneeded for dispensing and/or restocking operations as described ingreater detail hereinafter.

[0042] Each divider 82 includes mechanical interfaces 88 and electricalinterfaces 90 which are employed to receive dispensing mechanisms 50. Aswill be appreciated, a wide variety of dispensing mechanisms may beused. For convenience of discussion, the dispensing mechanisms ingeneral will be referred to with reference numeral 50. Specific types ofdispensing mechanisms will use the same reference numeral followed by an“a”, “b”, etc. For example, dispensing mechanisms 50 a are syringe typedispensers, and dispensing mechanisms 50 b are cassette type dispensers.Conveniently, two dispensing mechanisms 50 b may be coupled together toform a double cassette dispenser. Mechanical interfaces 88 mayconveniently comprise a threaded opening for receiving a screw. Also, itwill be appreciated that other connectors may be used, such as quickrelease mechanisms, detents, snap fits, other tool-less connections, andthe like. As best shown in FIG. 4, dispensing mechanisms 50 b arescrewed to one of the dividers 82 using a screw 92. Dispensing mechanism50 b then extends to an adjacent divider 82 to permit an electricalinterface 94 on dispensing mechanism 50 b to interface with electricalinterface 90 of divider 82. In this way, dispensing mechanisms 50 b maybe coupled to dispenser frame 48 in a “plug and play” manner simply byplugging the dispensing mechanism into the appropriate electricalinterface 90 and then using screw 92 to screw the dispensing mechanismto mechanical interface 88. The other dispensing mechanisms may beconnected to dividers 82 in a similar manner.

[0043] As previously described, dividers 82 may be placed in anyconfiguration to accommodate the number and/or size and/or type ofdispensing mechanism 50 that may be used. For example, althoughillustrated with several specific types of dispensing mechanisms, itwill be appreciated that a wide variety of other dispensing mechanismsmay be used that are capable of dispensing items based on an electricalsignal that is passed through electrical interface 90 via controlcircuit board 86. Some examples of such dispensing mechanisms that maybe used are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,377,864; and 5,190,185,previously incorporated herein by reference. Hence, it will beappreciated that the invention is not intended to be limited to aspecific type of dispensing mechanism.

[0044] In order to control dispensing and restock operations, computer30 (see FIG. 1) needs to know the address of each dispensing mechanismand the type of item stored in that dispensing mechanism. This mayeasily be accomplished since the location of each divider 82 ondispenser frame 48 is automatically determined. In a similar manner, theaddress for each dispensing mechanism 50 may be determined by using asimilar polling process since each dispensing mechanism is electricallycoupled to one of the dividers 82. Conveniently, each dispensingmechanism 50 may include a button 96 that may be pressed by the restockuser to produce a detectable event, such as a short or a low-voltagesignal that may be detected by a circuit board that is disposed withineach divider. The circuit boards are disposed below the connectors andcontain address information for each of the dispensing mechanisms. Thecircuit boards may also be used to control actuation of the dispensingmechanisms and any sensing mechanisms. The address information may betransmitted from the circuit boards to computer 30. In this way,computer 30 may know the address of a particular dispensing mechanismwhen button 96 is pressed. At the same time, the restock user may assigna given item to that particular dispensing mechanism and enter this intocomputer 30 so that computer 30 will have a record of the address ofeach dispensing mechanism and its associated item. Conveniently,dispensing mechanisms 50 may also include lights 97 that may be used toguide a restock technician to a particular dispensing mechanism duringrestocking operations as described in greater detail hereinafter. Insome cases, the light may be provided on the divider, and the dispensingmechanisms 50 may have a light pipe, such as a plastic conduit, todisplay the light. In some cases, the dispensing mechanisms may includean identifier that uniquely identifies each dispensing mechanism. Thisinformation may be detected by the circuit board and sent to computer 30so that computer 30 may assign a specific dispensing mechanism to aspecific location. If the particular dispensing mechanism is removed toanother location, computer 30 may detect the displacement and produce awarning signal. Examples of identifiers that may be used include RFIDtags, EPROM chips, bar codes and the like. If such identifiers are used,configuration of the dispensing unit may occur automatically sincecomputer 30 will know each specific dispensing mechanism and itslocation upon connection of the dispensing mechanism.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, construction of dispensing mechanisms50 a will be described. However, as previously set forth, dispenserframe 48 may utilize a wide variety of dispensing mechanisms and theinvention is not intended to be limited to a specific type of dispensingmechanism. Dispensing mechanisms 50 a each comprise a housing 98 havingan opening 100 that is configured to receive items in a stacked manner.For example, opening 100 may conveniently be used to store syringes.Disposed at the bottom of dispensing mechanism 50 a is a dispensingarrangement that is operated by a solenoid to dispense a single itemeach time the solenoid is operated. Alternatively, dispensing may occurby actuating a motor, other mechanical actuator or the like. Hence,after receiving signals from the computer 30, the circuit board withinthe appropriate divider may be used to send a signal to the appropriatesolenoid, motor or other mechanism to cause a dispensing arrangement tooperate and dispense a single item. The dispensed item then falls intodispense drawer 52 that may be pulled from cabinet 10 to access thedispensed item. A more detailed described of how such a dispensingarrangement may operate is set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,377,864; and5,190,185, previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] It will be appreciated that other dispensing mechanisms may beused to hold other types of items such as vials, ampoules, cassettes,pills, tablets, other oral solids, and the like. For example, dispensingmechanisms 50 b may be utilized to dispense pill packages, smallampoules, vials, and the like. Dispensing mechanisms 50 b include amotor having a vertically oriented output shaft. Coupled to the outputshaft is a gear system that is used to rotate a helical coil 302surrounding a shaft that is contained within a housing 305. As bestshown in FIG. 5A, a vial 304 is held in coil 302 and is moved downwardwhen coil 302 is rotated. When vial 304 reaches the bottom of coil 302is it dispensed and falls into dispense drawer 52. Hence, items may bedispensed from dispensing mechanisms 50 b simply by sending anappropriate signal from computer 30 to the motor that rotates coil 302.

[0047] When utilizing other types of dispensing mechanisms, circuitboard 86 may be configured to send other signals to actuate other typesof equipment. For example, other types of dispensing mechanisms that maybe used are described in FIG. 5B. These may conveniently be coupled todividers 82 in a manner similar to that previously described. One ofthese dispensing mechanisms is a small cassette type dispenser 50 c thatis similar to dispensing mechanism 50 b except for its size. Dispensingmechanism 50 c is particularly useful in dispensing pill packages.Another dispensing mechanism is a 5 ml vial dispensing mechanism 50 dthat is solenoid actuated in a manner similar to dispensing mechanism 50a. Also shown is a 5 ml ampoule dispensing mechanism 50 e that dispenses5 ml ampoules using a solenoid in a manner similar to dispensingmechanism 50 a. A large cassette dispensing mechanism 50 f is employedto dispense pill packages, small ampoules, and vials. Dispensingmechanism 50 f may be motor actuated in a manner similar to dispensingmechanism 50 b.

[0048] Dispensing mechanism 50 d is illustrated in greater detail inFIG. 5C and is constructed of a housing 300 that houses a solenoid. Thesolenoid is used to operate a trap door system similar to that describedin connection with dispensing mechanism 50 a to dispense its contents.As also shown in FIG. 5C, dispensing mechanism 50 d includes anelectrical connector 91 that is configured to be inserted into connector90 when dispensing mechanism 50 d is coupled to a divider.

[0049] Hence, by utilizing a reconfigurable divider system, and byconfiguring the divider so that a wide variety of dispensing mechanismsmay be interfaced in a plug and play manner, dispenser frame 48 may beeasily configured to accommodate a wide variety of dispensing mechanismtypes as well as arrangements. The divider configurations mayautomatically be determined and addresses for each of the dispensingmechanisms may easily be assigned since the appropriate circuitry mayeasily detect the location of each dispensing mechanism and may supplythis information to computer 30 where items may be assigned to specificdispensing mechanisms. Although not intended to be limiting, Tables 1-5below illustrate various types of arrangements that are possible withdispenser frame 48. TABLE 1 Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette CassetteDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette CassetteCassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser DispenserDispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette DispenserDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette CassetteCassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser DispenserCassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser DispenserDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette CassetteCassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser CassetteCassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser DispenserDispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette CassetteDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette CassetteCassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser DispenserDispenser

[0050] Table 1 describes an arrangement where dispenser frame 48 isconfigured to hold a maximum of five cassette-type dispensing mechanismsacross the dispenser frame. TABLE 2 Syringe Dispenser Cassette SyringeDispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Syringe DispenserDispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser SyringeDispenser Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser Syringe DispenserCassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette SyringeDispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Syringe DispenserDispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser SyringeDispenser Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser

[0051] Table 2 shows an arrangement where a dispenser frame may hold amaximum of two syringe-type dispensing mechanisms and one cassette-typedispensing mechanism across the dispenser frame. TABLE 3 SyringeDispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser DispenserSyringe Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser DispenserDispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette DispenserDispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Cassette CassetteDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette CassetteCassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser CassetteCassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Syringe DispenserCassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser SyringeDispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser DispenserSyringe Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser DispenserDispenser

[0052] Table 3 illustrates an arrangement for holding a maximum of onesyringe-type dispensing mechanism and three cassette-type dispensingmechanisms across the dispenser frame. The configuration between thesyringe-type dispensing mechanisms and cassette-type dispensingmechanisms may be configured by removing and replacing dividers 82 aspreviously described. TABLE 4 Top View Syringe Dispenser CassetteSyringe Dispenser Dispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Syringe DispenserDispenser Syringe Dispenser Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser SyringeDispenser Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser Syringe DispenserCassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette SyringeDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette CassetteSyringe Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette CassetteCassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser CassetteCassette Cassette Syringe Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser

[0053] Table 4 illustrates a configuration having dividers that definetwo double wide spaces and one single wide space. The double wide spacesmay be used to hold syringe-type dispensers while the single wide spacesmay hold cassette-type dispensers. Further, one of the double widespaces may also be used to hold two cassette-type dispensing mechanismsas well. TABLE 5 Top View Syringe Dispenser Cassette Cassette CassetteDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette CassetteCassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser CassetteCassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser DispenserDispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette CassetteDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette CassetteCassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser DispenserDispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette DispenserDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette CassetteCassette Cassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser DispenserCassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Cassette Dispenser DispenserDispenser Dispenser Dispenser Cassette Cassette Cassette CassetteCassette Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser

[0054] Table 5 illustrates a dispenser frame configuration havingdividers that define one double wide space and three single wide spaces.Further, the double wide space may be configured to hold twocassette-type dispensers in addition to syringe-type dispensers.

[0055] Another feature of dispensing unit 42 is that circuit board 86 isincorporated into dispenser frame 48. In this way, circuit board 86 mayeasily be accessed for maintenance, repair or replacement simply bywithdrawing dispenser frame 48 from dispensing unit 42. Further,incorporating circuit board 86 into dispenser frame 48 permits thedividers to be electrically coupled to electrical connectors using ablind matable connection. Circuit board 86 may be a passive connectorboard that channels commands to other boards used in connection with thedispensing cabinet. These other controllers may be on the same internalcommunication bus and may be used to filter out communications onnon-functioning boards to allow the system to continue operating with atroublesome component. Circuit board 86 may be electrically coupled toanother controller (that may in turn be coupled to frame 44 andelectrically connected to computer 30) using various ribbon cables orother communication devices. These cables may be routed along the sidesof dispensing unit 42 so as to not interfere with travel of dispenserframe 48 as it is withdrawn and pushed back into dispensing unit 42. Thecontrol board on frame 44 may be used as the main controller foroperating the components associated with dispensing unit 42. Itsfunctions may include manipulating and distributing power to thecomponents in dispensing unit 42, generating module communications andinteracting with the communication bus of the dispensing cabinet, andthe like. The communications generated may include, but are not limitedto, reading hardware configuration, auto calibrating a dispensing sensorsystem and running diagnostic scripts.

[0056] Various security features may also be provided to dispensing unit42. For example, as best shown in FIG. 3, door 46 may include an opening108 for receiving a latch of a latching mechanism 109 that may beemployed to lock door 46 to frame 44. In this way, access to dispenserframe 48 may be prevented until appropriate identification informationis entered into computer 30. After such information has been entered,computer 30 may send a signal to operate latching mechanism 109 andpermit door 46 to be unlocked.

[0057] Another feature is the use of a sensing system to detect whenitems have been dispensed from dispensing mechanisms 50 where they fallinto dispense drawer 52. The sensing mechanism may transmit a beam orother signal below the dispensing mechanisms that may be interrupted asitems fall into dispense drawer 52. One exemplary type of sensing systemcomprises IR detectors (hidden from view) and emitters 111 (see FIG. 6).The IR emitters 111 may be arranged along one of the dividers 82 to emitsignals that are directed onto the opposite divider 82 that contains thedetectors. In this way, the signal is sent laterally between thedividers. The sensing system may also have an automatic calibrationfeature for each IR emitter-detector. A calibration may be performedjust prior to a dispensing event. Such a calibration may be beneficialin cases where light conditions change over time, such as during abright day when ambient light enters when the frame is opened. Bycalibrating just prior to dispensing, the sensing system may beconfigured to sense the dispensing, even under different lightingconditions. As one alternative, each dispensing mechanism may beassociated with it own sensor, including any of those described herein.In this way, each time a particular dispensing mechanism dispenses anitem, the sensor may correlate the dispensing with the particulardispensing mechanism. Another way to accomplish such a feature is byusing a second set of emitters and detectors that are mounted across theentire length of the dispenser frame (such as between front 74 and back76 as shown in FIG. 6). In this way, two sets of emitters and detectorsand positioned perpendicular to each other. In this way, the X and Yposition of the item may be detected as it is dropped from a dispensingmechanism. This information may be sent to computer 30 to indicate theexact dispenser from which the item was dispensed.

[0058] Another example of such a sensing system may be a vertical cavitysurface emitting laser (VCSEL) sensing system. Such a system comprises alaser that transmits a signal across the bottoms of dispensingmechanisms 50. The laser is configured to reflect off a micro prismreflector so that the signal may be reflected back to a location nearthe laser source. If this signal varies, it may be used to detect thatan item has been dispensed. Such a sensing system may be a VCSEL lasersensing system, from Honeywell. In this way, a confirmation may be madethat an item was in fact dispensed when requested by the nurse user atcomputer 30. Such a sensing system is advantageous in that it reducescalibration times and is able to sense across the entire dispenser frameto reduce or eliminate errors.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 7, one method for configuring dividers 82on dispenser frame 84 will be described. Conveniently, the processillustrated in FIG. 7 may be described in connection with the dispensingcabinet 10 and dispensing unit 42 as just described in connection withFIGS. 1-6. Initially, the restock user may log into the system usingcomputer 30 and place computer 30 into the configuration mode. Therestock user may then specify a zone that is to receive dispensing unit42 so that its position within cabinet 10 is known. To configure thedividers, the dispenser frame is accessed as shown in step 120. This mayconveniently be accomplished by withdrawing dispenser frame 48 fromdispensing unit 42. The dividers may then be reconfigured in the desiredposition as illustrated in step 122. Control circuit board 86 may thenbe used to sense the reconfiguration of the dividers as illustrated instep 124. This information is transmitted to computer 30 for storage asshown in step 126. Optionally, computer 30 could be configured to allowthe restock user to manually input the configuration of the dividers sothat a sensing system would not be needed.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 8, one method for configuring thedispensing mechanisms within dispenser frame 48 will be described.Initially, the restock user logs in as illustrated in step 128 byentering appropriate information into computer 30. The restock user maythen select a modify mode at computer 30 as illustrated in step 130.Optionally, door 46 on dispensing unit 42 may include a button 57 thatthe restock user may push to unlock door 46 as illustrated in step 132.In so doing, latching mechanism 109 operates to unlatch the latch sothat restock user may open the door. As shown in step 134, the restockuser may then pull dispenser frame 48 out from the dispensing cabinet.As previously described, one feature of the invention is that a singledispenser frame may be employed so that the restock user mayconveniently access all of the dividers when reconfiguring thedispensing mechanisms.

[0061] Once the dispenser frame is pulled out, the restock user mayselect a specific dispensing mechanism to modify as shown in step 136.The type of modification may depend on whether the dispensing mechanismis already coupled to a divider and simply needs to be reassigned a newtype of item, or whether the dispensing mechanism is a new dispensingmechanism that is to be coupled to the divider. A query as to thiseffect is illustrated in step 138. If the dispensing mechanism is a newdispensing mechanism that is to be added to divider, the dispensingmechanism is installed to the divider as illustrated in step 140. Aspreviously described, this may be accomplished by screwing a screw 92into mechanical interface 88. As shown in step 142, button 96 may thenbe pressed to identify to computer 30 the specific dispensing mechanismthat is being modified. This process is performed for both new andexisting dispensing mechanisms. Display screen 34 may then permit therestock user to select an item to associate with the selected dispensingmechanism as illustrated in step 144. Since computer 30 knows thecorrect dispensing mechanism on a given divider once button 96 ispressed, it may assign that dispensing mechanism the selected item. Asshown in step 146, the restock user may also enter the item quantityinto the dispensing mechanism. Steps 136-146 may then be repeated tomodify other dispensing units. When the process is finished thedispenser frame may be pushed back into the dispensing cabinet and thedoor closed as illustrated in step 148.

[0062] To restock dispensing cabinet 10, a restock technician logs intocomputer 30 as illustrated in step 150 of FIG. 9. A restock technicianmay be required to enter username and password information which iscompared against a list of individuals that are authorized to accessdispensing unit 42. If accepted, the restock technician may select therestock mode as illustrated in step 152. Computer 30 may have a recordof all items stored in dispensing unit 42 along with their quantity.Further, computer 30 may include a restock list that was received fromthe pharmacy indicating which items are to be restocked, and may alsoinclude a quantity to restock. The restock technician may then select arestock list displayed on display screen 34 as illustrated in step 154.

[0063] Once a restock list has been selected, button 57 may light (andmay optionally flash) to indicate to the restock technician whererestocking should occur. Button 57 may be pressed which causes door 46to unlock as illustrated in step 156. Door 46 may then be opened anddispenser frame 148 pulled out from dispensing unit 42 as illustrated instep 158. Conveniently, all lights 97 on dispensing mechanisms 50 thatneed to be restocked may flash to guide the restock technician to thedispensing mechanisms that need to be restocked as illustrated in step160. The restock technician may then select one of the dispensingmechanisms to be restocked and press the associated button 96. Thiscauses the associated light 97 to stop flashing and to continuouslylight as illustrated in step 162. Display screen 34 on computer 30 mayalso list the item that is associated with the dispensing mechanism thatis being restocked as illustrated in step 164. Inventory informationassociated with the listed item may also be displayed on display screen34. Optionally, the restock technician may be asked to verify the numberof items within dispensing mechanism 50 as illustrated in step 166. Tofacilitate counting of the items, an “empty dispenser” icon may beselected on display screen 34, and one of the buttons 96 may be pressedto dispense all of the items. Hence, the restock technician may manuallycount the items in the dispensing mechanism and enter this informationinto computer 30. If needed, the quantity may be modified and stored incomputer 30. In most cases, however, a count back will not be neededbecause the sensors detect when items have been dispensed. In caseswhere an item that was dispensed is not needed (such as when the patientis asleep), the item is still sensed, but may be returned to the sidebin. As shown in step 168, the restock technician may then restock theitems into dispensing mechanism 50 and enter the appropriate quantity.Button 96 may then be pressed to indicate that restocking of thisdispensing mechanism is complete as illustrated in step 170.Conveniently, light 97 may then turn off to indicate restocking iscomplete. As shown in step 172, the restock technician may thendetermine whether additional dispensing mechanisms need to be restocked.If so, steps 162 through 170 are repeated. If not, the process ends atstep 174. The restock technician may then push in dispenser frame 48 andclose door 46 which then locks.

[0064] Hence, restocking may easily occur by simply withdrawingdispenser frame 48 to gain access to all of the dispensing mechanisms.Further, the restock technician is guided to the specific dispensingmechanisms that need restocking. Conveniently, computer 30 may becoupled to a network so that restocking information may convenientlydownloaded to computer 30 (such as from a pharmacy) to facilitate therestocking process.

[0065]FIG. 10 illustrates one exemplary method for dispensing items fromdispensing unit 42 of cabinet 10. Initially, the nurse user logs intocomputer 30 as illustrated in step 176. This may require the nurse userto enter user name and password information to determine whether thenurse user may have access to the items stored in dispensing unit 42. Asshown in step 178, a patient's identification information may also beentered. Computer 30 may then be placed into dispensing mode and thenurse user may enter a certain medication to be dispensed as illustratedin step 180. Conveniently, this medication may be selected from a listdisplayed on display screen 34. The nurse user may also be required toenter a dose as illustrated in step 182. Optionally, the nurse user mayalso be asked to verify the quantity to dispense. If the nurse userwishes to dispense more than one item, the process proceeds to step 184where steps 180 and 182 may be repeated for each additional item. Onceall items have been selected, the process proceeds to step 186.

[0066] In step 186, the appropriate dispensing mechanisms 50 dispensethe appropriate number of medications which fall into dispense drawer52. Conveniently, light 54 on dispense drawer 52 may light to indicatethe dispense drawer having the dispensed items as shown in step 188. Thenurse user may then pull out dispense drawer 52 as shown step 190 andremove the dispensed medication as illustrated in step 192. Finally,dispense drawer 52 is closed as shown in step 194.

[0067] In some circumstances, the nurse user may wish to return one ormore items as illustrated in step 196. If so, the nurse user may selecta return mode at computer 30 as illustrated in step 198. Light 62 onreturn unit 58 may then light to guide the nurse user to the appropriatelocation for returning the dispensed items as shown in step 200. Door 60may then be opened and the item returned as illustrated in step 202. Theprocess then ends at step 204.

[0068] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes ofclarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A device for dispensing items, the device comprising: a cabinethaving a front, a back, a pair of sides and an interior having a storagearea; a dispenser frame operably coupled to the cabinet, wherein thedispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers; a plurality ofdispensing mechanisms that are configured to hold a plurality of itemswithin the storage area, wherein the dispensing mechanisms are operablycoupled to the dispenser frame; a visual indicator associated with eachof the dispensing mechanisms; a lockable door coupled to the front ofthe cabinet so as to be positioned in front of the dispenser frame,wherein the door is operable to provide access to the interior of thecabinet and to the dispenser frame; a dispense drawer coupled to thecabinet below the storage area such that items dispensed from thedispensing mechanisms fall into the dispense drawer; and a computer thatis operably coupled to the dispensing mechanisms and the visualindicators, wherein the computer is configured to actuate the visualindicators of the dispensing mechanisms that are to be restocked ormodified.
 2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the dispense drawer has awidth that is essentially equal to the width of the dispenser frame, andwherein the dispenser frame is configured to be pulled out from theinterior.
 3. A device as in claim 2, wherein the dispense drawer extendsacross essentially the entire length of the front, and wherein thecomputer is configured to send a signal to automatically open thedispense drawer after an item is dispensed from one of the dispensingmechanisms.
 4. A device as in claim 1, wherein the computer furtherincludes a record of items stored in the cabinet, their quantity andtheir location.
 5. A device as in claim 4, wherein the computer isconfigured to permit the selection of an item and to send a signal thatis usable by one of the dispensing mechanisms to dispense the selecteditem.
 6. A device as in claim 5, wherein the dispense drawer includes alight, and wherein the computer is configured to light the dispensedrawer light upon selection of the item.
 7. A device as in claim 1,wherein the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of thedispensing mechanisms to be adjusted, and further comprising a dividersensing system associated with the dispenser frame to sense theconfiguration of the dividers, and wherein the computer is configured tostore information on the configuration of the dividers.
 8. A device asin claim 4, wherein computer is configured to receive input on the itemsheld within the dispensing mechanisms.
 9. A device as in claim 8,wherein the dispensing mechanisms each include a sensor mechanism thatis actuatable to send a signal to the computer when actuated.
 10. Adevice as in claim 9, wherein the sensor mechanisms are each actuatableto indicate to the computer that the associated dispensing mechanism hasbeen flagged to be assigned an item, and wherein the computer isconfigured to receive an input assigning an item to the flaggeddispensing mechanism.
 11. A device as in claim 9, wherein the sensormechanisms are each actuatable to indicate to the computer that theassociated dispensing mechanism is to be restocked.
 12. A device as inclaim 1, wherein the computer includes a record of individuals that mayuse the dispensing cabinet.
 13. A device as in claim 12, wherein thecomputer is configured to unlock the door upon entry of appropriateidentification information into the computer from an authorizedindividual.
 14. A device as in claim 13, wherein the door includes alight, and wherein the computer is configured to light the door lightupon receipt of a restocking request.
 15. A device as in claim 14,wherein the visual indicators comprise lights, and wherein the computeris configured to light the light corresponding to each dispensingmechanism that is to be restocked.
 16. A device as in claim 15, whereinthe computer is configured to display the type of item to be restockedupon pressing of one of the lighted lights.
 17. A device as in claim 16,wherein the computer is configured to produce a record of restocking andto turn off the light of the associated dispensing mechanism followingrestocking.
 18. A device as in claim 1, wherein the dividers includeconnectors that are configured to interface with connectors on thedispensers.
 19. A device as in claim 1, wherein the cabinet furtherincludes a return unit that is adapted to receive returned items.
 20. Adevice as in claim 1, further comprising a sensor system that isconfigured to detect when items fall from the dispensing mechanisms andinto the dispense drawer.
 21. A device as in claim 1, wherein thedispenser frame further includes a control circuit board that iselectrically coupled to the computer and that is configured to beelectrically coupled to the dispensing mechanisms.
 22. A device as inclaim 1, further comprising at least one holding drawer having multiplestorage locations that are configured to hold additional items.
 23. Adevice as in claim 1, further comprising at least one shelf havingstorage locations that are configured to hold additional items.
 24. Adevice for dispensing items, the device comprising: a cabinet having afront, a back, a pair of sides and an interior having a storage area; adispenser frame coupled to the cabinet, wherein the dispenser frameincludes a plurality of dividers; a plurality of dispensing mechanismscoupled to the dividers, wherein the dispensing mechanisms areconfigured to hold a plurality of items within the storage area; alockable door coupled to the front of the cabinet so as to be positionedin front of the dispenser frame, wherein the door is openable to provideaccess to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame; adispense drawer coupled to the cabinet below the storage area such thatitems dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms fall into the dispensedrawer; a computer that is operably coupled to the dispensingmechanisms; and a sensor mechanism that is associated with each of thedispensing mechanisms, wherein each sensor mechanism is configured togenerate a signal when actuated that is usable by the computer toidentify the dispensing mechanism that is associated with the sensormechanism being actuated.
 25. A device as in claim 24, wherein thesensor mechanisms are each actuatable to indicate to the computer thatthe associated dispensing mechanism has been flagged to be assigned anitem, and wherein the computer is configured to receive an inputassigning an item to the flagged dispensing mechanism.
 26. A device asin claim 24, wherein the sensor mechanisms are each actuatable toindicate to the computer that the associated dispensing mechanism is tobe restocked.
 27. A device as in claim 24, wherein the dispense drawerextends across essentially the entire length of the front.
 28. A methodfor configuring a dispensing device, the method comprising: providing adispensing device comprising a cabinet having and an interior; adispenser frame coupled to the cabinet, wherein the dispenser frameincludes a plurality of dividers for holding a plurality of dispensingmechanisms that each hold a plurality of items within the interior; alockable door coupled to the front of the cabinet so as to be positionedin front of the dispenser frame, a dispense drawer coupled to thecabinet below the storage area such that items dispensed from thedispensing mechanisms fall into the dispense drawer and a computer;opening the door to access the dispenser frame; actuating a sensingmechanism that is associated with one of the dispensing mechanisms thatis to be configured to generate a signal; transmitting the signal to thecomputer to indicate that the dispensing mechanism that is associatedwith the actuated sensing mechanism is to be configured.
 29. A method asin claim 28, further comprising entering into the computer an item toassociate with the dispensing mechanism that is associated with theactuated sensing mechanism.
 30. A method as in claim 28, furthercomprising restocking an item into the dispensing mechanism that isassociated with the actuated sensing mechanism
 31. A method as in claim28, further comprising arranging the dividers in a desiredconfiguration, and supplying information on the arrangement of thedividers into the computer.
 32. A method as in claim 31, wherein thedispensing device further includes a divider sensing system associatedwith the dispenser frame to sense the configuration of the dividers, andwherein the information on the arrangement of the dividers comprises asignal from the divider sensing system.
 33. A method as in claim 28,wherein the sensing mechanism is actuated to enter an address of one ofthe dispensing mechanisms into the computer.
 34. A method as in claim33, wherein the address is determined by sensing the location of the newdispensing mechanism on the divider when the sensing mechanism isactuated.
 35. A method as in claim 34, wherein the sensing mechanismcomprises a button on the dispensing mechanism, and further comprisingpressing the button on the dispensing mechanism to enter the address ofthe dispensing mechanism into the computer.
 36. A method as in claim 29,wherein the item that is to be associated with the dispensing mechanismis entered by selecting an item from a list of items displayed by thecomputer.
 37. A method as in claim 28, further comprising entering arequest into the computer to dispense an item, and operating thedispensing mechanism to dispense the item into the dispense drawer. 38.A method for restocking items, the method comprising: providing adispensing device comprising a cabinet having an interior; a dispenserframe coupled to the cabinet, wherein the dispenser frame includes aplurality of dividers that are configured to hold a plurality ofdispensing mechanisms that each hold a plurality of items within theinterior; a lockable door coupled to the front of the cabinet so as tobe positioned in front of the dispenser frame, a dispense drawer coupledto the cabinet for receiving dispensed items and a computer: enteringrestock information into the computer. entering restock useridentification information into the computer; entering a request torestock items into the computer; unlocking and opening the door;actuating visual indicators associated with the dispensing mechanismsthat are to be restocked; restocking at least one item into at least oneof the dispensing mechanisms having an actuated visual indicator.
 39. Amethod as in claim 38, wherein the visual indicators comprise lights,and further comprising flashing the lights on the dispensing mechanismsthat need restocking.
 40. A method as in claim 39, further comprisingpressing a button on one of the dispensing mechanism to indicate thatone or more items are to be restocked.
 41. A method as in claim 40,further comprising continuously lighting the light on the dispensingmechanism after pressing the button, and displaying the name of the itemusing the computer.
 42. A method as in claim 41, further comprisingverifying the count of items in the dispensing mechanism and enteringthe verification into the computer.
 43. A method as in claim 41, furthercomprising pressing the button on the dispensing mechanism to signalthat restocking is completed.
 44. A method as in claim 43, furthercomprising turning off the light upon pressing of the button.
 45. Adispensing mechanism, comprising: a housing that is configured to hold aplurality of items that are to be dispensed; an electrical interfacethat is adapted to electrically couple the housing to a dispensingcabinet; a dispensing device that is configured to receive an electricalsignal from the interface to cause at least one of the items to bedispensed from the housing; a visual indicator operably coupled to thehousing, wherein the visual indicator is configured to be actuated toindicate that the dispensing mechanism is to be restocked or modified;and a sensing mechanism operably coupled to the housing, wherein thesensing mechanism is electrically coupled to the interface to permit anelectrical signal to be transmitted through the interface when thesensing mechanism is actuated.
 48. A dispensing mechanism as in claim45, wherein the visual indicator comprises a light.
 46. A dispensingmechanism as in claim 45, wherein the sensing mechanism comprises abutton.
 47. A dispensing mechanism as in claim 45, wherein thedispensing device is selected from a group of devices consisting ofmotors and solenoids.